An opto-isolator, also called an optocoupler, photocoupler, or optical isolator, is a component that transfers electrical signals between two isolated circuits by using light. Opto-isolators prevent high voltages from affecting the system receiving the signal.
Dear Mr. Singh,
the optical isolator has at least three voltage ratings that your question may refer to.
1) The input side has a voltage driving the LED inside the optocoupler. As the LED's forward voltage depends on the technology used, no more than a few volts will be seen here.
2) The output o the coupler has a maximum withstand voltage, usually in a range of no more than 30-50V.
3) The most important parameter is the input-to-output isolation strength. Common couplers can reach a few hundred volts, dedicated couplers to drive high-power transistors like IGBT can feature a few kV and allow to be connected to floating voltages up to 1000V.
So my question to you is: What of all this is important for you?
Dear Mr. Singh,
Optocouplers are essentially a combination of two distinct devices: an optical transmitter, typically a gallium arsenide LED (light-emitting diode) and an optical receiver such as a phototransistor or light-triggered diac. The two are separated by a transparent barrier which blocks any electrical current flow between the two, but does allow the passage of light. Usually the electrical connections to the LED section are brought out to the pins on one side of the package and those for the phototransistor or diac to the other side, to physically separate them as much as possible. This usually allows optocouplers to withstand voltages of anywhere between 500V and 7500V between input and output.
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